By Anita Otieno

The National Council on the Administration of Justice had earlier suspended the execution of civil decrees and orders as a means of scaling down court activities due to Covid-19. However, the Chief Justice recently gave an order lifting the suspension, directing courts to facilitate parties seeking the extraction, issuance and execution of all decrees and orders.

Execution of orders is the last process in civil cases. Execution gives effects to court orders and decrees. It completes the process of a civil dispute. With the suspension of executing civil orders, parties that had been successful in their cases had to postpone effecting the remedies that may have been given by the Court.

The lift on the earlier suspension is a positive step. Court decisions may now be carried out, effectively concluding cases and reducing the backlog of cases the courts are now facing, worsened by the effects of Covid-19. It is also an indication that the court processes may continue with the staff working remotely, hence ensuring continuous administration of justice.